Hitters are selected for this league based on their plate appearances. Those who don't qualify for their position are put in the pool for reserve hitters. Starting in 2009, Reserve hitters have their MVP rating arbitrarily cut in half.
Starting pitchers are chosen on the basis of innings pitched.
Relief pitchers in the Best Players leagues have been chosen in different ways from year to year. Starting in 2006, the criteria for inclusion were: all relievers with 15 or more saves; top 20 relievers (minimum 50 appearances) as determined by the Hardball program; the rest of the 60 players (about 10) are chosen by number of appearances. In 2008, all relievers with 10 saves made the list.